PM ‘saddened’ by hostage’s death

Prime Minister David Cameron was “deeply saddened” to hear confirmation that US aid worker Kayla Mueller has been killed while held hostage by Islamic State militants in Syria, Downing Street has said.

US President Barack Obama confirmed that the parents of the 26-year-old, from Arizona, have been told of her death.

Islamic State – also known as Isis or Isil – has claimed that she died in a Jordanian air strike, something which the authorities in Amman dismissed as propaganda.

But Mr Cameron said that it is the terror group alone which bears responsibility for Kayla’s death.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister is deeply saddened by the news. Our thoughts are with her friends and family as they deal with this tragic news.

“The Prime Minister is absolutely clear that those responsible for her death are the brutal Isil terrorists that kidnapped her and tormented her in her captivity.

“As the Americans have said we will do all we can to bring those responsible for her death to account.”

Ms Mueller is believed to be the fourth American to die while being held by Islamic State, and was the only known remaining US hostage known to be in the hands of the group. She was taken in August 2013 while leaving a hospital in Syria.

Parents Carl and Marsha Mueller said in a statement: “We are heartbroken to share that we’ve received confirmation that Kayla Jean Mueller has lost her life.

“Kayla was a compassionate and devoted humanitarian. She dedicated the whole of her young life to helping those in need of freedom, justice and peace.”